Alec Roth/Vikram Seth: Shared Ground (2CD)

'Shared Ground' is a set of works by the British composer Alec Roth, featuring several poems and sung texts by the Indian writer Vikram Seth. The title piece of the same name is inspired by Seth’s poetry following a decision to buy and live in the Old Rectory in Bemerton – the former home of the 17th-century poet and priest George Herbert. Other works on the disc expand this idea of a shared home or dwelling, with 'Earthrise' – collection the reflections of Apollo astronauts on viewing the planet from orbit – and 'Hymn to Gaia'.

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Reviews:

4 Stars

"Roth’s music is striking for its rich, beautifully crafted choral textures, ecological and metaphysical subject matter, and references to the great heritage of European choral music...Earthrise is a fabulous, 40-part unaccompanied choral work in three movements with the sort of poly-choral, lushly harmonised climaxes that send shivers down the spine."